In late 2024, I was brought on by Z Money and Andrew Barber of Fake Shore Drive to lead the photography, design, and overall creative direction for Chiraq Mogul 2 — a follow-up to Z Money’s 2018 project Chiraq Mogul, which marked a major turning point in his career. From the start, I knew the visuals for this project needed to set themselves apart from the rest of his catalog. I aimed to capture not only the energy and confidence present in Z Money’s music, but also to pay tribute to the city of Chicago itself.

After scouting various locations around the city, I landed on a spot that felt like the perfect fit for the cover — one that reflected both the tone of the album and Z Money’s persona. We incorporated a clean car setup and props to enhance the shoot’s visual identity, reinforcing the concept of Z Money as the “Chiraq Mogul.”

In the end, I was proud of how everything came together. The setting, lighting, and weather aligned exactly as envisioned, and Z Money brought his authentic self to the shoot, which made the process both fun and true to the spirit of the project. The shoot was a true collaboration between the three of us, and I’m grateful to have helped shape a moment that felt meaningful for both Z and the city that raised him.